I know it can get tough. I know it's stressful. I'm right there with you. I see you grinding. Early mornings and late nights to be the best that you can be. Don't let anyone dull your sparkle. Keep pushing and never look back. You got this. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't.

No matter what you're doing this for, your kids need you, your working towards that degree, you want him to realize what he lost, you want to be financially independent so you don't have to depend on anyone, or whatever other reason, you're killing it. Wake up every morning with the same badass mindset. Tell yourself, "I'm going to do this and get shit done." Not, "I'm going to try my best." Do you want the first place trophy or do you want just another participation "award?" No one remembers anyone for trying. You get up, and you do. Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor every morning, the Devil says, "Oh shit, she's up!"

Don't let anyone bring you down. Hold your head up high so your tiara doesn't fall. Work hard and never give a man the power to say "You wouldn't have that if it weren't for me." Do your squats, eat your vegetables, wear red lipstick, and don't let boys be mean to you.

As you've learned throughout the years, if you want something done and done right, you have to do it yourself. We, as women, have the odds stacked against us as it is. It's 2016 and yet, we're still viewed as less than men. From the wage gap to the stereotypes, but thank God that Bic made pens just for us! *total sarcasm* But Ellen totally shut that down for us. This is a "man's world," right? LOL no. Not anymore. We're working, we're grinding, and we're going to be successful.

"Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do." Things are going to get tough but this quote keeps me going. A paycheck is a paycheck no matter who it's signed by. Don't let someone bring you down because of where you work. At least you're working. Make that money, girl. A man's money will never excite an independent woman.

It's been drilled into my head my entire life to never depend on anyone, and I never will. Yes, I'm stubborn. Yes, I'm determined. No, I don't need you and I never will. I got my own back. I make my own money. I pay my own bills. I work two jobs and go to school. I'm not the superhero's girlfriend, I AM the superhero. I'm the hero of this story, I don't need to be saved, and I never will. I'll raise my daughter to be just as tough and independent.

At the end of the day, the only person you can depend on is yourself.